2025 SUBARU FORESTER

 

REDESIGNED FORESTER MOVES INTO SIXTH GENERATION WITH LAUNCH OF 2025 MODEL

Birthed in the mid-1990s, the Subaru Forester advances to its sixth generation with the launching of the 2025 model.

Not the sexiest offering in the Japanese automaker’s lineup, the 2025 Subaru Forester gets the latest version of the company’s EyeSight Driver Assist system that includes such feaTures as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking as well as a restyled cabin and exterior.

All trims come with a revised 2.5-liter, flat-4 (or Boxer) engine that puts out a mild 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, much the same as the previous underpowered Forester.

Mated to a continuously variable transmission, it makes up for a lackluster zero-to-60 mph time that approaches nine seconds with efficient fuel-mileage numbers of 26 miles-per-gallon city 33 highway, and 29 combined using regular gasoline.

The 2025 Subaru Forester currently is available in five trim levels Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring.

Pricing starts at $31,090 including the destination and delivery charge and runs through $41,390 for the top-of-the-line Touring Model. This review is based on the Limited version which starts at $38,990, including an option package that adds safety and tech features in Subaru’s StarLink package, Harman Kardon Audio, and reverse automatic braking.

The 2024 Subaru Forester Limited is nice and roomy inside with comfortable seating for five that provides 43.3 inches of legroom in the front and just under 40 in the second row while still leaving 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the far back.

Other standard features include dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and push-button starter, automatic stop/start (accessible via a button on the touchscreen), a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, power panoramic moonroof, one-touch folding rear second-row seat backs, a power hands-free rear liftgate, and StarLink’s connected services (subscription required).

Safety systems in addition to features in the EyeSight package include blind-spot warning, automatic emergency steering (works in conjunction with the EyeSight technology), automatic high-beam assist, and navigation.

Base MSRP is $35,995 before the charges for the options and delivery are added on.

What I liked about the 2025 Subaru Forester Limited: The cabin is roomy and comfortable. Tech features are plentiful and easy to get to. Pushing a button on the large touchscreen display activates an auto hold system that prevents “creeping” at intersections or stops in traffic (though you have to activate it every time you fire up the engine). Fuel mileage is competitive in the segment even with standard AWD. Cargo space is good.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Subaru Forester Limited: A little more oomph from the 4-cylinder Boxer engine would be appreciated. Matched with a CVT, performance is on the bland side. It would be nice if the image for the backup camera were larger.The touchscreen can present a cluttered appearance depending on the mode selected.

Would I buy the 2025 Subaru Forester Limited? The Forester is not the most exciting vehicle in the segment, but still is a good option if you are in the market for a functional SUV. Its Subaru colleagues Outback and Crosstrek offer more in the way of eye appeal.

2024 BMW i5

 

BMW ADDS ELECTRIC DRIVETRAIN AS 5-SERIES MOVES INTO ITS EIGHTH GENERATION

With this year’s redesigned moving BMW’s 5-Series into its eighth generation, the German automaker also has taken the opportunity to include an all-electric version of its long-standing sedan.

The 2024 i5 is very much a copy of the gas-powered 4- and 6-cylinder 5-Series models with the most significant difference, of course, being the drivetrain and a slightly smaller truck that accommodates the battery for the electric motor. The front fascia even features the a non-functioning version of the iconic BMW kidney-shaped grille.

It is offered in two trim levels. The 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40, which this review is based on, offers less power than the M60 xDrive but provides greater range.

The eDrive40 is rated at 335 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque to the M60’s 593/586, respectively. The extra power cuts the zero-to-60 mph time down from 5.7 seconds for the eDrive40 to 3.7 for the M60, according to company clockers.

The difference in driving range makes up for that, however. The 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 offers up to 295 miles between charges to 256 for the 2024 BMW i5 M60 xDrive.

Trust me. You’re not going to be disappointed in the way the 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 gets you moving away from an intersection and through traffic. An option M Sport Package also adds a steering wheel-mounted paddle that when activated provides a brief boost in power for maximum acceleration.

Considering that the 2024 BMW i5 xDrive40 carries a starting MSRP of $67,795 (including destination and deliver fee) and the M60 xDrive starts at $85,095, you might think about much you really want to pay nearly $18,000 more and give up the extra range in exchange for an extra 2 seconds in zero-to-60 time.

As is usual (Expected? Demanded?) for a luxury class vehicle, the 2024 BMW i5 xDrive40 comes with a long list of niceties covered by the starting MSRP.

These include such features as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay,  wireless device charging,  a Harman Kardon Premium sound system, an 11.4-inch display with navigation (operated by touch, voice, or iDrive control on the center console), power glass moonroof, rain-sending windshield wipers, keyless entry with push-button start, power front Sport seats, adaptive cruise control, and a power trunk opener.

Safety systems include frontal collision warning, blind sport, and lane departure warning, parking assistant, acoustic pedestrian protection (with an EV you can sneak up on people), and BMW’s Active Driving Assistant suite of features.

My test 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 came with several optional packages and stand-alone features. The big ones were $3,000 for the M Sport Package (21-inch wheels, M sport suspension, M steering, and special cosmetic touches to the interior), $2,850 for a Premium Package (heated steerging wheel, interior camera, Parking Assistant Plus), and $1,350 for the Luxury Seating Package (heated seats front and rear).

Stand-along options included the blue metallic exterior paint and a Bowers and Wilkins Surround Sound system that ran the final ltotal to $78,995.

What I liked about the 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40: The cabin is luxurious, roomy, and comfortable. Torque is instant and plentiful. Basic infotainment features like the radio and A/C are easy to get to.  Cargo space (17.5 cubic feet) is good and close to that for the gas-powered 5-Series (18.4). An auto/hold system that prevents creeping at intersections is activated by pushing a button on the console.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 BMW 4 i5 eDrdive40: Ther is no AM radio band. German engineers, despite their reputation for brilliance, still haven’t figured out a way to keep the electric powertrain from interfering with the AM band, which often is a source for news alerts and sports broadcasts, so they just eliminate it. Some tech features are fussy to get to. Maximum driving range (270 to 295 miles depending on tire size) is less than other models in its class, including the BMW i4 (318 miles).

Would I buy the 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40? Probably not. You need to splurge to install a higher level power outlet at home. The wait times at public charging outlets can be agonizingly frustrating. Infrastructure to support this automotive electric revolution is severely lacking.

2024 RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

 

EVOQUE HAS THE TRADITIONAL LAND ROVER DNA BUT MORE AT HOME IN URBAN CLIMES

The 2024 Range Rover Evoque is the “little brother” in the Land Rover fleet and shares its siblings’ off-roading capabilities, but its smaller size, numerous features, and sporty styling make it more appropriate for urban environments.

Perhaps a clue to what makes the Evoque a bit different is that at one point in the Evoque’s early years former singer-turned-fashion-designer Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) — working with renowned Land Rover designer Gerry McGovern — was commissioned to lend her touch to a Special Edition Range Rover Evoque.

Not that the Evoque is all about style over substance. Not at all since the 2024 Range Rover Evoque still comes with all-wheel drive and the company’s All-Terrain Response 2T and All-Terrain Progress Control systems for off-pavement ventures that fall short of the Rubicon Trail.

It’s just that its appeal is likely to find favor with those whose most challenging off-roading experience may be when their wheels touch a gravel driveway.

The 2024 Range Rover Evoque remains part of the vehicle’s second generation introduced in 2020, but a significant refreshing cut the number of trims down to two from the five that filled out the Evoque’s 2023 lineup.

The S is the base trim with Dynamic SE, which this review is based on, serving as an alternate. A 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 246 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque powers both trims and is linked to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel efficiency is listed as 20 miles-per-gallon city, 27 highway, and 22 combined using premium fuel.

The two trims are very similarly equipped and option packages such as Technology, Comfort, Dynamic Handling, and Cold Climate packs are available on both trims.

Standard features include LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof, heated front seats and steering wheel, a new 11.4-inch touchscreen, 12-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and keyless entry with push-button start.

Safety systems include Lane-keeping and Blind Spot Assist and a nifty surround-view camera system that injects a picture of your entire vehicle onto the screen.

In addition to cutting down on the trim levels, the refreshing for the 2024 Range Rover Evoque includes a redesigned center console. Leather upholstery is standard, but you may find the rear legroom room (33.8 inches) is on the tight side.

Considering that the main difference between the two models are cosmetic options on the Dynamic S trim that give it a somewhat sportier appearance, the base S trim may offer the best deal. Its starting MSRP is $51,075 (including destination and delivery charge).

My test 2024 Range Rover Evoque started at $56,075 and optionall extras like Dynamic Handling, Cold, and Tech packages plus the special blue shade exterior and 20-inch wheels (replacing the standard 19s) ran the final total to $62,930.

What I liked about the 2024 Range Rover Evoque Dynamic SE: This may be the smoothest riding SUV I have ever been in. With its quiet cabin, it kind of glides along. Engine response is good. Getting in and out of the a Evoque is a snap. The simplistic interior design exudes class.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Range Rover Evoque Dynamic SE: I thought only the Germans could complicate operating of infotainment systems but the Brits have matched them. Land Rover claims two touches are all that is needed to operate the features, but many basic functions are hidden behind a myriad of touchscreen interfaces, and it’s good luck figuring out where they might be. Overall, it can be very distracting to make adjustments. There are no knobs to help even to adjust A/C blower speed or audio volume.

Would I buy the 2024 Range RoRaver Evoque Dynamic SE? Yes. It’s. a big pricier than its competitors but still worth a look. There’s just a certain feel behind the
wheel of a Land Rover model that is special, like you are driving a piece of history.